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Rockville RW8CA 8" Under-Seat Subwoofer vs Skar Audio SDR-8 8" Car Subwoofer

Buy the Rockville RW8CA if you want bass without giving up space and no separate amp to wire in. It is a complete powered unit: 150W RMS, sealed enclosure, high-level inputs and auto turn-on. The Skar SDR-8 is a bare driver that needs an amplifier and a box, but it handles 350W RMS and is built for people chasing louder, cleaner output. Owners of the Rockville praise the fit and easy install, but several report short lifespans and distortion when pushed hard.

  • Choose the Rockville RW8CA if you want a slim all-in-one powered sub that fits under a seat and installs without a separate amp.
  • Choose the Skar SDR-8 if you already have an amplifier and enclosure and want a driver that takes more power and plays louder.

Prices

  • Rockville RW8CA 8" Under-Seat Subwoofer: $119.95 at Walmart (checked today)
  • Skar Audio SDR-8 8" Car Subwoofer: $20.00 at Bonanza (checked today)
  • Difference: the Skar Audio SDR-8 8" Car Subwoofer is $99.95 cheaper than the Rockville RW8CA 8" Under-Seat Subwoofer today
Rockville
Rockville RW8CA 8" 600W Low Profile Under-Seat Active Powered Car Subwoofer

Rockville RW8CA 8" Under-Seat Subwoofer

Rockville RW8CA 8" 600W Low Profile Under-Seat Active Powered Car Subwoofer

5(7 ratings)
$119.95at WalmartChecked 6 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • All-in-one powered design, no external amp
  • Very slim at 2.7 in, fits under many seats
  • High-level inputs with auto turn-on
  • Remote bass knob included
  • Sealed enclosure ready out of the box
Cons
  • Owners report short lifespan and repeat failures
  • Distorts at high volume
  • Included wiring kit is thin and barely long enough
  • No mounting instructions
  • Won't fit under power seats
Skar Audio
Skar Audio SDR-8 8" 700 Watt Max Power Car Subwoofer

Skar Audio SDR-8 8" Car Subwoofer

Skar Audio SDR-8 8" 700 Watt Max Power Car Subwoofer

$20.00at BonanzaChecked 6 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Bonanza
Pros
  • Handles 350W RMS, more than double the Rockville
  • Dual 2 ohm coil gives flexible wiring
  • Designed for louder, harder-hitting output
  • Good base for a custom build
Cons
  • No amplifier, enclosure or wiring included
  • Needs a box built or bought to fit
  • Install is more work and more parts
  • No remote bass control on its own

What separates them

Rockville RW8CA 8" Under-Seat SubwooferSkar Audio SDR-8 8" Car Subwoofer
TypePowered subwoofer with built-in monoblock amp and sealed enclosureRaw subwoofer driver only, no amp or box
Power handling150W RMS, 600W peak350W RMS, 700W peak
InstallationPlug-and-play with high-level inputs and auto turn-on, no remote wireNeeds an amp, wiring and a custom or prefab enclosure
Mounting depth2.7 in tall, slides under many seatsStandard 8 in driver, needs enclosure depth
ImpedanceSingle 2 ohm loadDual 2 ohm voice coil, wire to 1 or 4 ohms
Durability reportsSome owners report failures around a year of useBuilt for higher power; longevity depends on the install and tuning
ControlsRemote bass knob includedLevel set by the amplifier you pair it with

Price history

$119.95$20.00
Oct 31Nov 10
  • Rockville RW8CA 8" Under-Seat Subwoofer: lowest $85.46 on Nov 8 at eBay; $119.95 on Nov 10.
  • Skar Audio SDR-8 8" Car Subwoofer: lowest $20.00 on Nov 10 at Bonanza.

Prices at every store

Rockville RW8CA 8" Under-Seat Subwoofer

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Audiosavings

    $119.95Free shippingChecked 6 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • Rockville AudioNew

    In stock

    $119.95Free shippingChecked 6 h ago
    Visit Rockville Audio
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by audiosavings

    $119.95Checked 6 h ago
    Visit eBay
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $119.95Free shippingChecked 6 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

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All 5 stores and price history →

Skar Audio SDR-8 8" Car Subwoofer

  • Skar AudioNew

    In stock

    $67.99Free shippingChecked 6 h ago
    Visit Skar Audio
  • BonanzaNew

    Availability unknownSold by theman71177's booth

    $20.00Checked 6 h ago
    Visit Bonanza
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by card442538 (0% positive, 0 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $55.00+ $8.43 shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit eBay
  • Newegg.comNew

    Availability unknownSold by FortressTek

    $114.99Checked 6 h ago
    Visit Newegg.com

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

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All 5 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecRockville RW8CA 8" Under-Seat SubwooferSkar Audio SDR-8 8" Car Subwoofer
WaterproofNo—
RMS Output150 Watts at 2 Ohms—
Maximum Output600 W (peak power)—
ChannelsMonoblock—
Amplification TypeBuilt in amplifier—
Speaker TypeSubwoofer—
Impedance2 Ohms—
Sensitivity90 dB @ 1w / 1m—
Audio HighlightsAuto turn-on technology—
BluetoothNo—
Connectivity TypeWired—
Ports & InterfacesHigh Level Inputs—
Show all 30 specsShow fewer specs
SpecRockville RW8CA 8" Under-Seat SubwooferSkar Audio SDR-8 8" Car Subwoofer
Control MethodRemote bass knob—
Mounting TypeUnder-Seat—
Shallow MountLow Profile—
Installation TypePlug-and-play—
Hardware IncludedMounting hardware—
Vehicle TypeCar—
Compatible DevicesCar Audio System—
Weight5.61 kg—
Depth11 in—
Height

What reviewers say

Rockville RW8CA 8" Under-Seat Subwoofer

Owner feedback on the RW8CA centers on easy installation and space savings rather than output. Most say it adds usable low end to a stock system for the money, while some find the bass runs out at higher volumes. A number of long-term owners report the unit does not last.

What people mention
  • SizePraisedOwners like that the 2.7-inch enclosure slides under a seat without eating space.
  • InstallationPraisedHigh-level inputs and auto turn-on make wiring quick without removing the radio.
  • Bass outputMixedIt adds real low end at normal volumes but runs out of steam when pushed.
  • ValuePraisedBuyers see it as a lot of bass for the price compared with name-brand slim subs.

Skar Audio SDR-8 8" Car Subwoofer

Owner feedback on the SDR line is generally positive for the money, with people noting solid output from a small driver when it is fed clean RMS power in a good box. Complaints tend to center on expectations set by the peak rating and on output limits versus larger subs.

What people mention
  • OutputMixedOwners say it delivers solid bass for an 8-inch in a small box but cannot match larger drivers.
  • Power handlingMixedPeople note the 350-watt RMS figure is the real limit and the 700-watt peak rating misleads.
  • Voice coilsPraisedThe dual 2-ohm coils are seen as flexible for wiring to 1 or 4 ohms.
  • EnclosureCriticisedReviewers say results depend on a well-built sealed or ported box.

Questions and answers

Which is better for a compact car with little space?
The Rockville RW8CA. At 2.7 in tall it slides under many seats and needs no separate amp or box. The Skar needs an enclosure, which takes up cargo space.
Which one plays louder?
The Skar SDR-8, if you power it properly. It handles 350W RMS against the Rockville's 150W RMS, and the dual voice coil lets you wire it to a stronger amp.
Do I need extra parts for the Skar?
Yes. You need an amplifier, an enclosure and wiring. The Rockville includes its amp and a basic wiring kit, though owners say the kit is thin.
Which lasts longer?
The Skar is the safer bet on paper. It is built for more power, while several Rockville owners report failures after about a year. How you set gains and volume matters most for both.
Is the Rockville worth stepping up to over the Skar?
Only if simplicity and space matter more than output. The Rockville is the easier install; the Skar rewards buyers willing to build a proper system.

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More comparisons

  • Skar Audio VD-8 8" 600 Watt Peak Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer vs Skar Audio SDR-8 8" 700 Watt Max Power Car Subwoofer
  • TROPO-8 400 Watts RMS 8 Inch Car Subwoofer vs Skar Audio SDR-8 8" 700 Watt Max Power Car Subwoofer
  • Rockville RW8CA 8" 600W Low Profile Under-Seat Active Powered Car Subwoofer vs Skar Audio VD-8 8" 600 Watt Peak Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer
  • TROPO-8 400 Watts RMS 8 Inch Car Subwoofer vs Rockville RW8CA 8" 600W Low Profile Under-Seat Active Powered Car Subwoofer

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best 8-inch car subwoofers under $150
2.7 in
—
Width11 in—
Enclosure TypeSealed—
colorBlack—
size8"—
Voice Coil Size—2.0"
RMS Power Handling—350 Watts
Peak Power Handling—700 Watts
Voice Coil Configuration—Dual 2 Ω